Saucer Smear - Vol 48 No 02 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 48, No. 2
Date: February 20th, 2001
Publisher: SAUCER & UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley J.S.
Contributing Editor: Karl T. Pflock

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. It features a mix of personal announcements, news items, historical retrospectives, and letters from various personalities in the UFO and paranormal research fields.

"Smear" Editor Soars to Authordom, At Last!

James W. Moseley, the editor of "Saucer Smear," announces that he and contributing editor Karl T. Pflock have secured a book contract with Prometheus Books of Amherst, New York. Prometheus is noted as the publishing arm of CSICOP. The book, tentatively titled "Shockingly Close to the Truth!" with a suggested subtitle "Confessions of a Grave Robbing Ufologist," is expected to be published in about a year. A second book, focusing on their experiences in Peru in the late 1950s, is also planned. The announcement supersedes a previous one made with Fate Magazine's editor, Phyllis Galde, as the contract with her separate entity, Galde Press, did not work out.

Hail the New Millennium:

The issue reports on a mysterious monolith that appeared in a public park near Seattle, Washington, on New Year's Eve. The monolith, measuring 1 foot by 4 feet by 9 feet, is compared to the one in the science-fiction movie "2001." The article notes that its appearance is likely the work of local artists, referencing a similar incident in 1996. The monolith disappeared mysteriously a few days later, only to reappear on a remote island. The piece speculates whether 2001 might be the "Year of the UFO," referencing George Adamski.

A Blast from the Past!

This section delves into the history of George Adamski, the most well-known UFO contactee, and his 1953 book "Flying Saucers Have Landed." The editor highlights his own extensive research on Adamski, published in a 1957 "Special Adamski Expose Issue" of "Saucer News." The article discusses Adamski's younger co-worker, C.A. (Carol) Honey, who collaborated with Adamski and ghost-wrote some of his material. Honey eventually realized some of Adamski's claims were fabricated, but still believes in the "Desert Contact" of 1952, an event the editor investigated and disproved. Honey has recently resurfaced and is reportedly rehashing the Adamski story due to accusations of material theft from the George Adamski Foundation. Information on obtaining Honey's pamphlets and back issues of "Saucer News" is provided.

Some Gems from the January 2001 "MUFON Journal":

The editor, a former State Section Director for MUFON, shares observations from the January 2001 MUFON Journal. He comments on an article about the MJ-12 group by Paul Thompson, who argues against its authenticity and questions Stanton Friedman's assertion that Donald Menzel could have been a member. The issue also features an article on "Stress Management for Ufologists" by John Schuessler, the new International Director of MUFON, which lists various sources of stress within the UFO community. A "Ufology Profile" on Stanton Friedman is mentioned, as is a review of Dick Hall's book and an article on crop circles by Jenny Randles. The absence of any mention of John Carpenter, MUFON's Director of Abduction Research, is noted. Information on becoming an active MUFON member is also included.

Tidbits of Trash:

This section includes announcements for upcoming lectures and conventions. The editor is scheduled to lecture at the Clearwater East Library, a combined meeting of Tampa Bay MUFON and Tampa Bay Skeptics, on March 17th. The lecture's theme is "Weird Personal Experiences of a Skeptical Believer," emphasizing that both true belief and debunking are undesirable. Upcoming events include a mini-convention in Clarksburg, W.Va., and the annual NUFOC conclave in Austin, Texas.

PFlock PTalk

Karl Pflock reviews the book "The Field Guide to Ghosts and Other Apparitions" by Hilary Evans and Patrick Huyghe. He notes that the book explores various types of ghostly phenomena beyond human shades, including those of the living, animals, things, and places. Pflock highlights the authors' approach of presenting firsthand testimony without firm conclusions, emphasizing that the "ghost experience" is real enough for laymen, even if scientists focus on objective existence. He draws a parallel to the UFO field, asking if similar phenomena are merely figments of the mind or have a material basis.

Letters to Ye Olde Editor:

This section features correspondence from several individuals:

• Jerome Clark expresses relief that his book "Extraordinary Encounters" was sent to the editor and comments on the economics of reference publishing. He also notes an issue with the book's index.
• John Schuessler corrects an inaccuracy in a previous "Saucer Smear" issue regarding MUFON's Board of Directors, clarifying that the list is published annually and that MUFON does care about its members.
• Christopher Allan discusses Paul Davids' article "Three chapters that twisted UFO history," which examines Edward J. Ruppelt's revised views on UFOs in his book. Allan disputes Davids' speculation that Ruppelt's death was unnatural or unexpected, stating Ruppelt had prior health issues.
• John B. Alexander, Ph.D. responds to a mention of his demise at NIDS, clarifying it was likely a misunderstanding and promoting upcoming events related to UFOs and Remote Viewing.
• Timothy Good writes about his book "Unearthly Disclosure," citing the Valentich case and other incidents, including an aerial "displacement" experienced by Graham Sheppard. He also provides details on purchasing signed copies and speaking engagements.
• Todd Zechel of CAUS sends a letter accusing the editor of attempting extortion and threatening to report him to federal authorities.
• Miller Johnson humorously suggests incorporating "tongue-twisting factual trivia" into a hypothetical Roswell book titled "NAKED ALIEN SEX ORGIES IN ROSWELL."
• An Anonymous entity ("Harry Slime") comments on Karl Pflock's admission of being married to a Welsh terrier and speculates about Prometheus Books' publishing choices.
• Phillip S. Duke Ph.D. states his belief that the human race has progressed, but that gray ETs who abduct people and mutilate cattle may be creators of HIV and exterminators of humanity.
• Brian Parks expresses his continued interest in UFOs and notes that William L. Moore confirmed that J. Allen Hynek consulted for Wright-Patterson after Project Blue Book. He also mentions Len Stringfield's research and the shift away from the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis.
• Dick Freeman, editor of "Batteries Not Included," makes a humorous comment about aliens and sex.
• Lydia Mancini writes a positive letter praising "Saucer Smear" as the funniest and most entertaining read, and suggests Moseley write a book.

Tidbits of Trash (Continued):

This section reviews the final issue of Paul Krassner's zine "The Realist." It highlights Krassner's support for counter-culture figures and shares some of his philosophical musings on life and mystery. The return of Art Bell to radio is mentioned, as is the ongoing lecture series at the International UFO Museum in Roswell, N.M., featuring various UFO personalities. A work of fiction by Christopher Buckley, satirizing ufologists, is also noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the intersection of UFO research with book publishing, the critical examination of UFO claims and personalities (such as George Adamski and the MJ-12 group), and the exploration of related phenomena like ghosts. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor and contributors like Karl Pflock, appears to favor critical thinking, skepticism towards both extreme belief and debunking, and a humorous, often irreverent, approach to the subject matter. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and a willingness to challenge established narratives within the UFO community.